Warriors' Klay Thompson warmly welcoming Iguodala

He was bracing for another grueling season, playing big minutes and being Golden State's version of a defensive stopper.

But the Warriors went out and got swingman Andre Iguodala, a known defensive talent. And they added veteran back-up Toney Douglas. Now Thompson has considerable help.

"Going up against the best every night, it's fun," Thompson said after Wednesday's workouts at the team facility. "But now I can focus on exerting just as much energy on the offensive end. ... We've got so much balance and we're so deep, you can really play your hardest and get a blow."

Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson (11) and Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green (23) team up to block a shot against Denver Nuggets' Andre Iguodala (9) in the third quarter of Game 4 of their first-round NBA basketball playoff series on Sunday, April 28, 2013, in Oakland, Calif. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group) (Jose Carlos Fajardo)

Last season, Thompson averaged 35.8 minutes -- an 11-minute average increase in playing time. What's more, while averaging 16.6 points per game, he was called upon to defend the league's best point guards to protect Stephen Curry.

In the playoffs, Thompson's minutes jumped to 41.3 per game. Even for a 23-year-old gym rat, the load took its toll.

That's why Thompson expressed relief that the Warriors now have two more players capable of being the defensive stopper. He said he hopes that reality helps him improve his offensive efficiency (42.2 percent from the field last season).

He also said getting in better shape, improving his decision making and getting better on defense were offseason goals.

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"This is my third year in the league. My comfort level is at an all-time high. I know what I need to work on."

Of course, the acquisition of Iguodala could send Thompson to the bench. Golden State now has four capable players for its three starting perimeter spots: Curry is a lock for one. That leaves coach Mark Jackson deciding between Thompson, Iguodala, and second-year forward Harrison Barnes for the other two spots.

It wouldn't be his first time off the bench -- he was a reserve most of his rookie season -- so Thompson said he is confident he could make the adjustment if needed.

"It took me a few games to get used to it because I'd started my whole life," Thompson said. "Once I got used to it and once I found my rhythm, it was nothing to me. You can still be a great player off the bench ... I'm not too worried about (starting). I'm just worried about getting better and getting in the best shape I can."

Thompson just said the excitement about the potential of the Warriors outweighs individual concerns. That's why even though Iguodala can play the same position, and could limit the free reign Thompson enjoyed last season, Thompson is perhaps the most glad to have Iguodala on board.

"I was happy I don't have to go against him any more," Thompson said. "He's going to be great for us. He's a good scorer but he's an even better playmaker. He's a great leader. I can see it in these two weeks I've been here. He's going to help us. He's going to be like a swiss army knife. ... That's a huge signing for us."